MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics Fall 2009: What Would You Get?
Wed, 08/12/2009 by Karen | Posted in: Just For Fun, MAC Makeup
Art by Richard Phillips
I love it when cosmetics companies embrace the contemporary art scene like MAC has with fall’s Make-Up Art Cosmetics collection (arriving Aug. 20).
It’s something MAC has done before — hitching their thematic wagon to an established or up-and-coming artist — and it always seems like such a brilliant concept to me. Isn’t makeup, after all, just one of many forms of art?
For past MAC fall collections like Cult of Cherry and Smoke Signals, smokey eyes and dark lips took center stage. The color palettes differed, but both collections still fell along what I consider traditional fall makeup lines, with the addition of MAC’s much-loved theatrical flair! 
With the massive Make-Up Art Cosmetics collection, however, MAC created three completely different sets of products (as far as I can tell), each set designed by a different artist.
Art by Marilyn Minter
Painter Richard Phillips, illustrator Maira Kalman and photographer Marilyn Minter each created an interpretation of their artwork through MAC makeup.
Art by Maira Kalman
The concept excites me, but I’m not sure what to make of the colors…
The promo pics didn’t give me heart palpitations like the ones for Cult of Cherry and Smoke Signals did, but I can’t wait to see them on counters next week!
What would you get?
I think it’s time for another round of virtual haul in WHAT WOULD YOU GET?
Your mission, should you choose to accept it: You can choose any one of the three MAC Make-Up Art Cosmetics sub-collections from fall 2009 (one in its entirety) to take home with you.
Artist: Painter Richard Phillips
Lipstick, $14
- Front Lit: light white yellow (Frost)
- High Strung: deep pink silver (Frost)
- Lovin’ It: cool neutral with yellow undertone (Lustre)
- Hold the Pose: brown plum with gold pearl (Lustre)
- Full Body: deep red plum (Lustre)
Lipglass, $14
- Young Thing: yellow neutral with gold pearl (Frost)
- Personal Taste: dirty rose with pink and gold pearl (Frost)
- New Spirit: light yellow coral (Frost)
- On Display: purple with yellow pearl (Frost)
Eye Shadow x 4, SkinTone, $36
- Skintone 1: light white pink (Lustre)
- Skintone 2: dirty gold (Frost)
- Notoriety: dirty brown with gold pearl (Velvet)
- Rich & Earthy: rich coral bronze (veluxe pearl)
Eye Shadow x 4, Private Viewing, $36
- Lightfall: pale pink (Satin)
- Look at the Eyes: light violet (Frost)
- In the Gallery: blue pink (Matte)
- Private Viewing: deep brown plum (Matte)
Eye Shadow x 4, Photo Realism, $36
- Photo Realism: gold shimmer with gold pearl (Frost)
- Fresh Approach: cool mint green (Veluxe Pearl)
- Image Maker: dirty grey green (Frost)
- Grey Range: deep blue green (Veluxe Pearl)
Plush Lash, $18
- Plushblack: black
Powder Blush, $18
- The Perfect Cheek: dirty pale pink (Matte)
- No Table: dirty brick brown red (Satin)
Artist: Illustrator Maira Kalman
Eye Shadow, $14.50
- Crest the Wave: rich yellow (Frost)
- Off the Page: dirty mustard orange (Frost)
- Maira’s Magic: yellow pink (Satin)
- Haunting: light turquoise blue (Satin)
- Purple Shower: dirty blue pink (Satin)
- Violet Trance: deep blue purple (Matte)
Technakohl Liner, $14.50
- Colour Matters: bright lime
- Obviously Orange: dirty coral
- Artistic License: bright turquoise blue
- Full of Fuchsia: deep blue magenta
- Graphblack: rich graphic black
Artist: Photographer Marilyn Minter
Reflects Glitter, $19.50
- Reflects Copper: sparkling saffron
- Reflects Rust: sparkling warm red
Glitter, $19.50
- Gold: sparkling chunky gold
- Fuchsia: sparking fuchsia
Pigment, $19.50
- Cocomotion: dirty gold bronze with gold pearl
- Brash & Bold: bright magenta
- Heritage Rouge: dirty brown plum
- Push the Edge: deep bright purple with pearl
Gloss Texture, $18
- Clear Gloss: clear
I love the utter size of the Richard Phillips set, but those bright Technakohl liners from Maira Kalman are calling my name…
Decisions, decisions!
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Share this Entry
1. shontay said, on August 12th, 2009:
Heeeey karen,
Having seen this collection last night at a preview party, the hands down winner is richard philips. I swore I wouldn’t buy anymore glosses or lipsticks but after swatching the ones in this collection, that promise went out the window. Notable blush is so darn gorgeous and perfect for my olive skin. The photo realism quad is unbelievable. I didn’t have enough money to get it, but I will once it’s released. It’s a complete collection that can create dozens of looks. I’m so excited about this.
2. Sylvie said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Karen, I might end up with the entire Kalman collection since I love bold, bright and vivid colours. I think I’m so used to using them that I can no longer tell what’s a dramatic eye and what isn’t. I have to say though, the artwork that she did conveys a different mood from the collection.
3. Ms. E said, on August 12th, 2009:
I love lips and eyes, so I would pick Richard Phillips! The set looks wearable in an every day way.
4. bomi said, on August 12th, 2009:
the first is really plain and natural, and mac has a lot of similar colors already so I’m not super excited about it.
the second one has more bouncy light shades that i want in my collectio nb/c its always fun to play aorund with shades like that. but i’d rather just go to ulta and pick up some NYX shadows as dupes.
haha
5. Tiffany said, on August 12th, 2009:
I would take the entire Richard Phillips collection home with me! I also saw everything last night at a preview party and 2 of the quads (photo realism and notoriety) came home with me, along with a Marilyn Minter poster
They had artists doing portraits for people at the party – it was pretty cool!
6. YadiQ said, on August 12th, 2009:
you already know what i am gonna say…
MAIRA KILMAN!!!
i am so all over it!!
but the quads from richard philips are telling me “pssst… yeah you bright shadow lover – don’t forget abt us more tame colors too”
accck i really love the kilman collection me wants it!
7. Karen said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Yadi,
HA! I knew you were going to pick that one.
I’m thinking it would look really hot with the Shu palettes from last winter. YUMMY!
8. Karen said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Tiffany,
How exciting! Did you get your portrait done?
9. Karen said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Bomi,
Yeah, I like the playfulness of the second collection, too.
10. Kajal Couture said, on August 12th, 2009:
I vote for the Richard Phillips collection because the colors seem so wearable, but there are still a range of darks and lights, and hints of color, even though they are not bright. Gosh, I wish I was invited to one of those parties…seems like fun!
Kajal Couture’s last blog post… Urban Decay Friends and Family 30% Off!!!
11. Karen said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Ms. E,
Wearable is always a great thing in my book.
Are you a big MAC fan, too?
12. Karen said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Sylvie,
You go with your bright colors! I gotta give you props for rocking the bold eye. I wish I could do it!
13. Karen said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Shontay,
Wow, now you’ve got me lemming a few things, especially the blush!
I have a feeling this is one I’ll fall for once I see it in person. Can’t wait!
14. Karen said, on August 12th, 2009:
Hi Kajal Couture,
Yeah, it seems really wearable! I’m looking forward to seeing it in person.
Happy Wednesday!
15. Stef said, on August 12th, 2009:
Oh no, I’m in big trouble! I must have the Phillips Photo Realism quad and probably the entire Kalman collection (I am dying over the Violet Trance e/s and really excited for Off the Page, orange? awesome!). This is the collection I’ve been waiting for. MAC has had so many collections lately, but most have been…kinda boring. There’s nothing boring about this.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again- MAC is determined to empty my savings account!
Stef’s last blog post… How to: have a Mad Men theme party
16. Ann said, on August 12th, 2009:
the Richard Phillips collection looks great and super wearable. I like to experiment with different looks for day time and night time–I am so on a lipstick and lip gloss kick too!
17. cloudburst said, on August 12th, 2009:
The Richard Phillips collection hands down.
18. Darcytmi said, on August 12th, 2009:
I went to the preview party last night and came home with two lipsticks and a gloss from the Richard Phillips collection!
19. Patti said, on August 12th, 2009:
I’m curious about the green eyeshadow palette from the richard philips collection I’ve been meaning to get some green eyeshadow. Do you think it would look good with an NC35-40 ish tone??
20. ines, felix and kitten (the office kitties) said, on August 12th, 2009:
RICHARD PHILLIPS!
although a second would be that maira kalman one. i would get more mileage out of the richard phillips though.
how’s your week going so far?
ines, felix and kitten (the office kitties)’s last blog post… Introducing the Ballroom Beauty Mascot – Cha Cha the Kitty
21. Nadine said, on August 12th, 2009:
Richard Phillips because of its diversity!
22. Kristen said, on August 12th, 2009:
I went to the preview party last night and am all over Marilyn Minter’s glitters. They’ll look amazing during a night out, and lend themselves to a lot of experimentation, like mixing colors in 1 look, or going for an expected solid.
I wasn’t crazy about the other 2 collections — not because they’re lackluster, just because they don’t seem fall-ish to me at all. The bright colors are summery to me, and I’m not really digging them for fall.
Kristen’s last blog post… Gucci “New Jackie,” Fall 2009
23. Tekoa said, on August 12th, 2009:
I’m digging the multitude of eyeshadows, especially in the Richard picture. Oh dear that will be an expensive day.
24. meg said, on August 12th, 2009:
Richard Phillips for sure for me! I’m a very neutral with a kick type of girl and all of these shades are perfect for the most conservative looks and also for adding a bit of drama on certain days or for evenings. That deep red plum lipstick calls to me
meg’s last blog post… Nancy Drew-Warnings at Waverly Academy
25. Sarah said, on August 12th, 2009:
Wow, the colors are a little too bold for my taste. I think I can blend a lot of the colors and tone it down. I’m so excited, I love MAC>
Sarah’s last blog post… What do you see?
26. TaLaisa said, on August 12th, 2009:
I love the first set, especially the green palette and the plum lipsticks. Gorgeous! I’m sure I could find enough to love within all 3 sets to do some serious damage.
TaLaisa’s last blog post… Happy Valentines
27. gio said, on August 12th, 2009:
I love bright and vivid shades so I’d choose the Kalman collection.
gio’s last blog post… Looks: Purple with a splash of green + E.L.F. Studio Line haul
28. Elle said, on August 12th, 2009:
I’m loving the Phillips collection…but I at least have to get one crazy-ass pigment (seriously, all of mine are either gold or brown-ish in color) and a few of the Technakohls. Because I *really* need a fuschia liner.
29. Erin said, on August 12th, 2009:
I am definitely getting the Photo Realism quad and the lime and turquoise Technakohls. I might pick up a lipstick or gloss too, but I have to see them in person!
30. Kailey said, on August 12th, 2009:
Richard Phillips.
The other colors wouldn’t look good on me.
31. Solé said, on August 12th, 2009:
The Richard Phillips eyeshadows are calling my name in the worst way, but I’d have to try on the lipcolors. I’m not sure any of them would flatter me. Half of them look too frosty and the other half look too dark. The Maira Kalman colors are fierce, but they don’t say fall to me at all. I don’t see myself wearing those colors in November. And finally, the the Marilyn Minter colors are gorgeous, but I would never use that much glitter or pigment in a lifetime. I wish their pigments came in half sizes (for half the price). I would be much more apt to experiment with them in that case. The verdict? I can definitely see the Phillips eyeshadow palettes becoming a part of my life this fall.
32. Solé said, on August 12th, 2009:
On second thought, I’m seriously digging those glitters. I think I may pick up some little empty containers at the beauty supply store and go halfsies on a couple of these with my sister.
33. penelope said, on August 12th, 2009:
richard philips
34. Paula said, on August 12th, 2009:
I’m not sure about which one would I pick… probably Marilyn Minter: the Richard Phillips collection looks amazing but isn’t as special as the other two! I mean, I would buy the eye palettes anytime (they’re gorgeous!), but having to decide amongst the three, I think that Marilyn Minter is funky and fun.
I’d like to see some artwork by Richard Phillips- isn’t it particular that a male who isn’t a make-up artist nor a fashion designer collaborates in creating a makeup line?
I also wonder if the Maira Kalman illustration you posted was actually drawn with the eyeshadows and liners… they look like crayolas and the colors in the picture are soo similar!
Ok, and last (sorry for the super-long comment): how do you get to know your skin tone in the NC30 thingy spectrum? I’ve been actually told to have several tones depending on the make up brand… could you maybe post something explaining this for foundation dumbs like me?
Paula’s last blog post… Watching the sun set in the desert
35. Joyce said, on August 12th, 2009:
the richard phillips looks great! wearable yet with that fall edge.
36. Karen B said, on August 12th, 2009:
OMG THE GLITTERS!!! But I also love the green quad and those brilliant liners. I can’t choose, really can’t.
37. Luinae said, on August 12th, 2009:
Mariyn Minter all the way! I cannot get enough of loose eyesahdows- better than pigment in every way!
Luinae’s last blog post… Flaunt your Favourite Feature
38. Dea said, on August 12th, 2009:
i’ll probablly go with richard… i’m more of a “neutral” girl so that particular sub-collection is like the best out of the three… but for colors, i’m learning towards marilyn cause i LOVEEE pigments… they last a lifetime and there’s no need to question the pigmentation..
thanks for sharing ^^
39. Michelle said, on August 12th, 2009:
I am bummed that the 2 neutral lipsticks in the Richard Phillips collection are frosts — I just can’t pull off the MAC lipsticks with frost finish. But I love myself a gorgeous nude lip! I love the plum and the green eye quad. I am wondering, though — if Shadowy Lady and Beautiful Iris are close to 2 of those shades in the Private Viewing eye quad . . .
Overall, some really pretty colours
40. Marce said, on August 12th, 2009:
Aww, Karen, that’s unfair! I’d get tidbits from each collection…but since I have to choose, I think I’d go with the Richard Phillips one. But just as you say, it would be for the amount of products…I’m really loving the colourful shadows and technakhols too! Speacially that orange, I hope it’s a good dupe for firespot, I’ve always wanted it!
Marce’s last blog post… MAC Style Warrior – Review
41. Mary said, on August 12th, 2009:
My gut says Richard Phillips. It looks like it’ll work with the strange fall transition we have to SoCal- meaning it may still be just as hot as summer on some days!
However, the Maira Kalman collection looks so much fun, completely outside the box of what I normally do.
Still though, at the end of the day, gotta pick Richard Phillips.
42. Ms. E said, on August 12th, 2009:
I haven’t tried much MAC yet. I have a hot pink polish and love it though! Looking forward to trying more!
43. Kewal said, on August 12th, 2009:
Maira Kalman all the way baby! The colours are soooo vibrant and gorgeous. It makes me happy just looking at them.
44. Rita said, on August 13th, 2009:
With no competition: Richard Phillips. The Photo Realism Quad is the one I’m waiting for. I also like the Skintone (? wasn’t this called Notoriety?) Quad, but how many golden-yellow/coral-orange/brown combos one can have / have came out this year only? The Perfect Cheek also on my list, but the lippies are a question mark.
45. stealing beauty said, on August 13th, 2009:
Richard Philips ofcourse, i am waiting for Eye Shadow x 4, SkinTone and also Young ThingNew Spirit On Display Lip glasses
Front Lit L/S * which looks like coffee with milk
46. Karen said, on August 13th, 2009:
Hi Stealing Beauty,
LOL, it totally does. I might have to get it just because it reminds me of the java.
47. Michelle said, on August 13th, 2009:
I just got the MAC postcards for this collection in the mail and called and made an appointment for their upcoming event. Can’t wait to try out some of those shadows
48. blu3 said, on August 13th, 2009:
I’d pick the Richard Phillips collection for sure
Can’t resist palettes, especially since MAC hasn’t done quads in a while (not counting the Nordstroms exclusives).
blu3’s last blog post… Review: Annabelle Studio Pigments & Giveaway
49. Vonvon said, on August 13th, 2009:
Hi Karen,
Maira Kalman for me!! I wouldn’t mind Richard Phillips either, but all the 3 eyeshadow quad palettes…..I think I have similar ones for all 3 of them
Why Maira Kalman?? All the eyeshadows caught my eyes with their bright ad vibrant colors and their colored eyeliners??? I’d ditch half my existing makeup collection for all the 11-pc collection!!! I’d bring down the entire of my fav MAC outlet with all my ooh-ings and ahhh-ing….the SAs will see me getting ‘high’ on this collection!
Btw, Karen, do you have any idea if the liners from this collection are water-proof?
But Sob sob…on an indefinite makeup ban now…still waiting to pick up some e/s from Love That Look.
Really falling heads over heels for everything MAC now….
Vonvon’s last blog post… Some Lips Of The Day(LOTD)
50. Vonvon said, on August 13th, 2009:
Hi Karen,
My 2 and a half year old would like to share with you that she likes Violet Trance, the matte deep blue purple e/s from Maira Kalman. She insisted that was the prettiest of all colors.
P.s. I was just reading this post and her eagle eyes caught sight of the many photos of the e/s and palettes, etc…and she came running and scrolling up and down the page and pointed to that particular e/s! Huh!!
Vonvon’s last blog post… Some Lips Of The Day(LOTD)